North India Explorer

9 Nights / 10 Days

Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajurao – Varansai - Delhi

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi International Airport, after meet and greet by local tour manager, transfer to hotel. Overnight : hotel In Delhi.

Day 2 : In Delhi

After breakfast depart for full day city tour of Delhi. Begin with a visit toRaj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the nation was cremated in 1948. Thereafter proceed to the magnificent Red Fort(closed on Mondays) built of red sandstone, dating from the very peak of the Mughal power. Then, Rickshaw Ride through Chandni Chowk. After that, visit to black and white onion domes and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. After Lunch, drive past RashtrapatiBhavan (the Presidential Palace) and the Secretariat buildings – the centre of Government activity, down to the impressive Rajpath (the main avenue), to the World War I memorial arch, India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, the QutubMinar, a 72 metres high minaret and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque. Here, see Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Overnight :hotel In Delhi

Day 3 : Delhi – Jaipur Drive (260 Km)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur, also called the Pink City. Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. Jaipur is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer sovereign, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (ruled 1688 to 1744). Arrive and check in at hotel. Overnight :hotel In Jaipur.

Day 4 : In Jaipur

In the morning visit former capital of Jaipur, the Amber Fort, just 11 km north of the city, with its honey-colored fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills. Enjoy an elephant ride along (if Operational) the fortress ramparts. Walk into the Sheesh Mahal and admire the amazing interior décor thought of over 200 years ago. Inside, The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art panels of alabaster with fine inlay work. After lunch we will explore Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds),JantarMantar (Jai Singh’s Observatory) built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who was a prince, soldier, astronomer and builder, City Palace now a museum exhibiting fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armory. Overnight : hotel In Jaipur.

Day 5 : Jaipur - Agra Drive (231km)

After breakfast depart and drive to Agra. En route visit Fateh-Pur-Sikri, an epic poem in red sandstone. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and deserted 14 years later due to lack of water. The main attraction are The Diwan-e- Khas and The Diwan-e-Am (a courtyard arranged like a gigantic game board, where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as pawns). Drive continued toAgra. On arrival transfer to hotel Overnight : hotel In Agra.

Day 6 : In Agra

Early in the morning we make a sunrise visit of Taj Mahal(closed to visitors on Fridays), the most extravagant monument ever built for love. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan built her this memorial over which 20,000 men labored for 22 years to create a masterpiece in white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, after breakfast visit Agra Fort (lalQila) where Shah Jehan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The Peacock throne (now in Iran) was in this fort, before being moved to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb Overnight : hotel In Agra

Day 7 : Agra – Jhansi – By Train

JHANSI – ORCHHA DRIVE (18 KM) Early in the morning transfer to Railway station for Jhansi bound train on arrival transfer to Orchha. In afternoon, explore Orchha. Visit fort and local village. Visit Jahangir Palace, built by Raja Bir Singh JuDeo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Then visit DinmanaHardaul Palace and Lakshmi Narayan Temple, where the style is an interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha’s wall paintings. Overnight : In Orchha.

Day 8 : Orchha – Khajuraho Drive (190 Km)

After breakfast depart and drive to Khajuraho on arrival transfer to hotel In afternoon visit the Western group of Temples which includes Chausath Yogini, KandariyaMahadeo, Devi Jagdamba Temple, etc. Overnight : hotel in Khajuraho

Day 9 : Khajuraho - Varanasi Fly

In the morning after breakfast transfer to airport for Varanasi bound flight. On arrival transfer to hotel. In the evening we witness the unique Aarti ceremony (ceremony of lights) at river Ganges. For centuries, pilgrims have come here for blessings and purification in the holy waters. The Sacred Prayer Ceremony takes place at DasawamedhGhat on the Ganges River, lit with oil-lamps and candles illuminating the river. The atmosphere is lively and bright – this is truly a not-to-be-missed experience. Overnight : hotel in Varanasi

Day 10 : Varanasi - Delhi Fly – Departure

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness the timeless scenes along the banks of the river Ganges that reflect Varanasi’s importance as India’s holiest city – pilgrims ritually bathing, priests invoking the dawn, then visit Kashi Vishwanath temple, Bharat Mata temple, 18th Century Durga temple and Kali temple. After breakfast, check out from Hotel and drive a short distance to Sarnath, the cradle of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Return to Varanasi. Transfer to airport for Delhi bound flight on arrival transfer to International airport for homeward flight.